Hey RGV Moms, we’re continuing our “Let’s Explore” series and highlighting some great RGV spots to visit with your kiddos. Today’s stop: McAllen Nature Center.
McAllen Nature Center
Location: 4101 West Business 83, McAllen
Phone: (956) 681-3333
Hours: June – October: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to Sunset; November – May: 8 a.m. to Sunset
Cost: Free admission with a suggested donation of $1/person
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Website: www.mcallen.net/departments/parks/mcallen-nature-center
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/McAllenNatureCenter/
Let’s Explore!
I took my two littles to McAllen Nature Center and we had a great time exploring! This is a great spot to change up your daily routine and get your kiddos out into nature. After you park, you’ll walk down the hill and sign in at the visitor center. Park admission free with a suggested donation $1/person.
Right at the visitor center, there was a neat building set that my 4-year-old just loved. Next, we checked out the cactus garden, and I suggest you keep a close eye on the littles for this one!
I had visited the Nature Center a few years ago, and they’ve since added a cool feature – Lantana Hill. You can climb up the steep hill and see the trails and nature below. We also enjoyed a picnic lunch under the large oak trees.
Close by to the picnic tables, you’ll find restrooms and the trail heads for the different trails in the park. We were there with a stroller, so navigating the caliche paths was a bit of a struggle. If you had a jogging stroller, you’d have no problem at all. There are three main trails with some extra loops off of each of them.
McAllen Nature Center has a lot going on, from volunteer opportunities to yoga to nature walks and geocaching. You can check out their Facebook page for more info.
Insider Tips:
- Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray
- Plan your visit around lunch. They have a great, shaded picnic area
- Wear good tennis shoes, as the incline up Lantana Hill is pretty steep. And make sure your kiddos don’t run up there without you. It’s would be a big drop if they were to fall.
- I recommend this adventure for kids ages three and up. The paths are (jogging) stroller-friendly, but there is quite a bit of cactus within the grasp of those unsteady walkers.
- Groups of 10 or more can schedule a custom tour, so get your mama friends together and set a date!
RGV Moms, get out there and explore all that the Valley has to offer! Check out the “Outdoor Play” section of our Directory for more information and ideas!
Let’s Explore Series
Check out the other posts in our Let’s Explore Series:
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